“We cannot place a high enough importance on safeguarding issues. It is vital that lessons are learned throughout the whole of the Church of England. Every day, the vulnerable come to us for shelter, for support and for comfort. Their trust cannot be taken for granted.” - Archbishop Justin Welby
"The good shepherd rescues, feeds, seeks the lost, binds the injured, strengthens the weak, seeks justice." - Ezekiel 34:16
It Matters
The Church is called to share the good news of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ. The life of our communities and institutions is integral to how we address this task. The good news speaks of welcome for all, including those who are most vulnerable, into a community where the value and dignity of every person is affirmed and those in positions of responsibility and authority are truly trustworthy. Being faithful to our call to share the gospel therefore compels us to take with the utmost seriousness the challenge of preventing abuse from happening and responding well where it has. From ‘Promoting a Safer Church’, The Church of England’s Safeguarding Policy Statement.
Our Policy
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) renewed its commitment to implement the Church of England Safeguarding policy at meeting held on 22nd April 2024, in accordance with the
Parish Safeguarding Handbook, and the supplementary policies and procedures set out in the
ASW Children's and Youthwork Safeguarding Handbook (June 2024).
We commit ourselves to:
· Promoting a safer environment and culture.
· Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church.
· Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation.
· Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons.
· Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons.
· Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others.
The Parish sets out to:
· Create a safe and caring place for all.
· Have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) to work with the incumbent and the PCC to implement policy and procedures.
· Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse.
· Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish.
· Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs.
· Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse.
· Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately.
· Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred.
· Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties.
· Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually.
· Review the implementation of the Safeguarding Policy, Procedures and Practices at least annually.
Each person who works within this church community will agree to abide by this policy and the guidelines established by this church.
This church appoints Karen Kopp as Parish Safeguarding Officer.
Signed by the following on behalf of the PCC: Rosie Coates Peter Ward
Date: 22.4.2024
Key information
The Parish Handbook aims to further strengthen the Church’s approach to safeguarding by bringing into one place the safeguarding responsibilities for parishes as outlined in the House of Bishops’ Safeguarding Policies and Practice Guidance. It has been designed to support the day to day work of all parishes in relation to safeguarding and those that have a key role to play with children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable.
Parish Safeguarding Handbook
The church is committed to the fair employment of ex offenders and you can see our policy
here.
Safeguarding in the church community is everyone’s responsibility, and we would like for the whole congregation to have at least a basic level of understanding. All church volunteers, as well as parents and carers, are recommended to complete the Church of England Awareness Course (previously C0). Those of us in a leadership role or specifically working with children, young people or vulnerable adults (subject to a DBS certificate) are required to complete the Foundation Course (previously C1). Both courses are excellent, free, take under 2hrs, are accredited and can be used as evidence of training in many other settings. They should be renewed every 3 years and are available online
here. Please
email the Parish Safeguarding Officer, when completed and attach a copy of the certificate.
Contacts
Parish Safeguarding Officers: Karen Kopp.
safeguarding@allsaintsweston.org.uk
Assistant Parish Safeguarding Officers: Peter and Alison Tucker.
safeguarding@allsaintsweston.org.uk
Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser:
01749 588917 safe.guarding@bathwells.anglican.org
website:
Diocese of Bath and Wells Safeguarding
If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of, or is being abused, or presents a risk to others, please seek advice from a Safeguarding Adviser or if necessary report the matter to the Local Authority Social Care Services (
01225 396312) or the Police without delay. If there is immediate risk or danger please contact the Police on 101.
• NSPCC:
0808 800 5000
• Childline:
0800 1111
• Stop It Now:
0808 1000 900
• NAPAC:
0808 801 0331
• Samaritans: 116 123
• Family Lives:
0808 800 2222
• National Domestic Violence Helpline:
0808 2000 247
• Action On Elder Abuse:
080 8808 8141